Category: Discover Mindanao

Discover hidden paradise and beautiful places in Mindanao

Mindanao is a land of volcanoes, rain forests, waterfalls, and rivers. Adventure travelers can choose from a variety of activities such as rafting, snorkelling, kayaking, sport fishing, surfing, and lots more. The most challenging activity will be choosing what to do!

Britania Group of Islands is located in Barangay Britania, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. Britania Group of Islands is composed of 24 islets that varies from shapes and sizes scattered magnificently around Lianga Bay facing the great Pacific Ocean.

The adjacent Islets are mostly spherical in shape and some of them are partially surrounded with pristine white sands so pure and refined. Famous for its pristine water and very fine, almost powdery sands and the different hues and colors of sea water that changes from one island to another.

Boslon Island, the largest islet in the group. Boslon Island is surrounded by different rock formations on one side; on the other are powdery white sands stretching out to the bluish green sea waters. Being the biggest islet among the 24, Boslon is the perfect place for overnight camping.

Panlangagan Cave Island and Panlangagan Forest Island on one side is a walk away during low tide from Boslon and on the other side was the spectacular sight of Minasingin Island.

The sight of Isla Verde Island, Malingin Island and Litik Island looked like green mushrooms that sprouted out of the sea.

Bonbon Island has a long stretch of powdery white sand beach and green vegetations and can be reached by boat in 20 minutes from Boslon and along the way you’ll pass Kang Jose Island, Kanlota Island and Taguan Island.

Hiyor Hiyoran Island and Hagonoy Island are so enticing to frolic and laze around with its refined white sand shores. The farthest are the Islands of Panas and San Pablo.

And last but not the least is the famous Naked Island, a long stretch of sand bar so pure and white that vanishes during high tide.

HOW TO GET THERE:

From Bancasi Airport in Butuan City
-Take a commuter van that will take you directly to San Agustin. Its a 3-4 hours trip from the airport. Make sure you pee first.

-Or go to Butuan City Bus Terminal and take bus going to Barobo Terminal. From there, ride another bus going to Tandag and get off at San Agustin.

From San Agustin, ride anything that moves and visit the local Tourism Office.

Mindanao is a beautiful tropical paradise with lush green scenery, pristine unspoiled beaches, dynamic tribal traditions and warm welcoming people. Mindanao is the new go to destination in South East Asia with reasonably prices immaculate hotels, adventure and eco tours, rental vehicles or a range of public transport.

There are direct flights from Manila, Cebu and from Around South East Asia to destinations throughout Mindanao. From the norm to the exotic, Mindanao has it all with fantastic travel options for those looking for a slice of paradise, or on a honeymoon, or for travelers on a budget.

Meet locals in the small fishing villages, discover the history of this great island, experience the vibrant cultural diversity, climb to the top of Mount Apo or one of the many peaks around Mindanao or the many or indulge your quest for adventure activities from Cagayan de Oro to Zamboanga.

Discover great surfing spots like Lanuza, Tandag and Siargao Island.

Visit some of Mindanao’s adventure spots like the Danao Adventure Park and Dahilayan Adventure Park.

Fishing charter are available with local guides, or play a round of golf (mainly in the larger cities). Try local transport with includes tricycles, jeepneys, aircon vans, buses or one of the many banca boats that carry passengers to out lying islands around Mindanao.

No matter how you travel around Mindanao, you need to spend some time on one of the many local boats (banca) that ply the waters around Mindanao. Fast and furious, gliding across the beautiful clear waters, these craft provide visitors with an exhilarating experience. These boats provide a link between the main island of Mindanao and the many small island paradises that exist just off the coast.

No matter what your taste for food, you will find it here in Mindanao. From local delicacies to full on gourmet delights your senses will be aroused continuously by the variety of wonderful culinary surprises, served up by creative masters of the finest dishes. You will always enjoy eating while in Mindanao as it is the passion of the local people. Native foods or western fare, the food is superbly presented, healthy and nourishing.

White or golden warm sand, crystal clear waters and lovely sunny days. This is Mindanao at it’s best. Unspoiled natural beauty to simply relax while on vacation or participate in one of the many waters ports available to those who can’t sit still. The splendor of each magical sunset is heaven for the perfect romantic evening. Some of the best beaches in the world fringe the natural wonder of Mindanao Island.

Whether looking for a stress-free relaxing vacation, or days of hard-out adrenaline pumping action, Mindanao has it all.Leave all the world’s ‘norms’ behind when you step into the magical world of traditional Mindanao culture and immerse your senses in the delights of the local cuisine. Watch with awe the local traditional dances and costumes while enjoying one of the many local fiestas which are annual events throughout Mindanao.

Many people already have enjoyed visiting Mindanao, and with current prices so affordable your money will stretch so much further than other destinations, allowing you to do the things you want to do. Remember that Mindanao’s climate has 2 season, wet and dry, or Amihan and Habagat. The coolest month is January with 25.5°Celsius temperature and warmest is May at 28.3°Celsius. Highland areas are cooler than the lowlands.

But no matter the weather, Mindanao has one big advantage over other destinations in Asia, the scenery and the warmth of the people So come enjoy your next tropical holiday in Mindanao the island with a thousand wonderful experiences and take home memories for a lifetime. Relaxation, superior accommodation options, breathtaking tours, beautiful tropical destinations and scenery, friendly helpful locals and guides.

Mindanao Ready for Better Tourism

The Department of Tourism announced that adventure and culture will still remain important pegs for Mindanao tourism and will know prominently its effort to boost tourism traffic in Mindanao.

Victoria Jasmin, Tourism Undersecretary, who has just attended the yearly Bukidnon’s “Kaamulan Festival” said, “We have to advocate tourism year-round, so the benefits will not be only seasonal.”

She also said, “With the cooperation in the East ASEAN Growth Area, we will be able to promote Mindanao not just for tourism, but for tourism investment as well.” The Department of Tourism now is hopeful to create Ecotourism and Agri-Tourism as supplementary products of Mindanao tourism, specifically in Bukidnon. DOT is also looking for more flights from other neighboring countries like Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia to make Davao more accessible. Undersecretary Victoria Jasmin restated that Mindanao’s peace and order is still strong and intact except for some isolated areas. Mindanao now is well prepared for tourism.

Zamboanga Peninsula is an exotic melting pot of ethnic lore, culture and spectacular attractions. Zamboanga Peninsula is an administrative region in the Philippines, designated as Region IX. The region consists of three provinces, namely: Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay, its component cities of Dipolog, Dapitan, Pagadian, and two independent cities of Isabela and the highly urbanized City of Zamboanga.

Dipolog City (Zamboanga del Norte) is known for its wild orchids and its sardine industry which stems from the rich fishing area off its shores. It is known as the “Gateway to Western Mindanao” through the Western Nautical Highway and has also been called the “Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines.”

Dapitan (Zamboanga del Norte) is also known as the “Shrine City in the Philippines” because the place where Jose Rizal, the National Hero, was exiled. It is also known for the old St. James Parish and the beach resort of Dakak. (c)Photo: Ric Canizares CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Pagadian City (Zamboanga del Sur) was the center of barter trading among the Malays, Chinese and the local Tausugs, Samals, Subanons and Badjaos in the 13th century. Pagadian City is also known as the “Little Hong Kong of the South” because of its topographical feature that is reminiscent of Hong Kong. It also has an affluent Chinese community that officially celebrates the Chinese Lunar New Year. The city of Pagadian is designated as the regional center of Zamboanga Peninsula. (c)Photo: jackoss0001 – Pagadian Project

Isabela (Basilan) was the southernmost outpost of the Spanish in the Philippines until the fall of Jolo in 1878. Having hosted Catholic residents since 1637, and a Spanish Fort (destroyed in World War II) since 1848, it was likewise the primary naval base of the Spanish in Mindanao until 1899. Named after Queen Isabella II, the city is the southernmost predominantly Christian enclave of the Philippines, and serves as an entry point for trade and commerce of Basilan island. Isabela City is a component city and capital of the province of Basilan. Isabela City continues be under the jurisdiction of Basilan for the administration of provincially-devolved services and functions. But for the administration of regional services, the city is part of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region despite the rest of Basilan being under the authority of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (c)Photo: Boarding Gate 101 – Guide to Malamawi Island (a must read article)

The City of Zamboanga is the only highly-urbanized city in the region. The city is the lone member of BIMP-EAGA in the Zamboanga Peninsula. The City holds the title as the second richest city in Mindanao next to Davao City. Zamboanga City holds more than half of the economy of the region. Zamboanga city also has the largest airport and seaport and the only city in the region with most investors. (c)Photo: Wowzamboangacity – MGM, CC BY 3.0

Enjoy lovely tropical beaches, the grandest adventures, the wonders of nature, scintillating culture, all the necessary components of an ideal vacation. Be one of the thousands of tourists who have made the island of Mindanao their top travel choice.